offroading online magazine issue 9

OOM2 la grande la grande OOM3

A word from the editor...

Offroading Online Magazine con-tinues to grow and evolve.

Advertisers are slowly starting to realise that the magazine offers perhaps the best value for dollar advertising around.

We are still looking for 4x4, cara-vanning, camper trailer and camping stories. If your club, organisation or just you personally have a few pics and words send them in, it’s a great way of getting a bit of free publicity.

Our first Facebook competition has been done and dusted and proved a great success. Our November Giveaway is being sponsored by XR Industries and Muc-Off with some great products and vouchers to be won. Check out their range of prod-ucts at www.xri.com.au

Finally a big thank you to Mick from the Cast Iron Boys for design-ing the front cover. We reckon it looks great.

Cheers Danny

www.xri.com.au

www.harvestthesun.com.au Denis O’Dea: 0404839137

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In this issue

Riverland Challenge - Page 22

Fourplay 4x4 Park Challenge - Page 50

Loveday Dirt Wars - Page 72

AORC Kapunda - Page 98

The Great Australian Ride - Page 112

OFFROADinG OnLine

editorDanny Hanrahan

ContributorsGeordie WrightSue CallowJasmine Brown The Cast Iron Boys P7 Offroad & P7 Comms DPChip Voyager 4x4 Adventures

Website editorDanny HanrahanGeordie Wright

Facebook editorGeordie Wright Tony Whateley

Offroading OnlineNo part of this magazine may be copied, broadcast or reproduced in any man-ner on any medium without the written consent of the copyright owner.

Offroading Online

[email protected]

#1 Riverland Challenge

#2 FourPlay 4x4 Park Challenge

#3 Dirt Wars

#4 AORC Kapunda

Galleries

www.harvestthesun.com.au Denis O’Dea: 0404839137

Regular FeaturesA Word from the editor - Page 5

Berrima Diesel - Page 14

Cast iron Boys - Page 92

P7 Offroad - Page 124

Voyager 4x4 Adventures - Gone Bush

The new vehicle design by Christian

Susana is a nice combination of car and

a caravan camper. Christian has called it

Colim (Colors of Life in Motion), which

might not win many points on looks depart-

ment, but still is quite useful given the kind

of flexibility it offers. Colim caravan con-

cept provides the advantage of detaching the

front part if one does not have a usage for

the home part. Design wise it reminds more

of geometric shape, which one can say to be

a welcome change from the regular designs,

but the designer has really explored a possi-

bility using different shapes which may pave

way for better shaped cars.

The designer says : “The Colim concept –

an acronym meaning ‘colors of life in motion’

– is an intelligent mobility concept which

stretches primarily the bridge between cara-

vans, camper, lifestyle and business. Dubbed

a ‘lifestyle motor home’, the cockpit can be

disconnected from the usable living space.

The livable area is flexible, with individually

applicable multi function modules. Designed

for two people (max. four persons), the

motor home offers the possibility to per-

sonalize its four mobile ‘walls’ according to

the present life situation of the user. This

flexibility is not only limited to the living

area, but also features in the cockpit.”

This design by Christian Susana is featured on the TUVIE Design

for the Future website at www.tuvie.com

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Diesel tuning is more important than we think.Let’s get down to the basics...Diesel is an oil. Oil as we know does not ignite

easily if it is left as a liquid. If we atomize it though, it will burn readily, if a little smoky. The diesel prin-ciple relies on the air being compressed to high pressure in order to heat the air as diesels don’t have igniters such as spark plugs. Keep in mind, the glow plug only glows on cold start-up to warm up the air in the combustion chamber, a bit like when you are pumping up a push-bike tire, the pump gets warm. So you now have very hot air and you inject diesel in through a poor spraying injector. Because it is not atomizing the diesel enough, the fuel volume burns erratically and slowly as the flame burns through the large droplets of oily fuel. If you were to light up a drum of oil, you would see a similar effect of slow burning and smoke.

You can imagine that by now the timing of the combustion process is also upset. Throw in

an injector that is spraying at a lower pressure than normal, due to age, and you have the tim-ing of the fuel ignition point changing even more. The injectors doing this alone can make a diesel smoky and sluggish. Throw in a cold morning and the combustion is even further retarded due to cold cylinders and cool combustion.

So, throw the scenario into a correctly set up injector. Remember the drum of oil?

Well, if you could fill the drum with a misty vapor of oil and light it up, you would not only

get a large bang but it would be over within a flash. So now, as the good injector sprays

fuel out as a mist, the fuel burns rapidly and rela-tively clean as the droplets are so small

that they burn with a puff! The injector’s pressure is also now on spec so the spray is

even more fierce and timed. Now, the injectors are perfect but the injection

pump could be slightly out of tune. Timing has to be set. If it is too early, the vehicle can smoke and become quite “diesel noisy” and if it’s too late, the vehicle can feel sluggish. Imagine the spray of fuel as a fist about to hit the piston. If it is too far before top dead center, it would not only hurt your fist and the piston but it would make a louder than normal bang as the two things hit head on. If the piston had gone past top dead center and was hit, the force of the hit would be going down with the piston so you would have too little impact on it. So you can see why timing is critical for maximum hit effect!

Other things need to be checked like the fuel-volume delivered by the pump. Too much is

power but with smoke, too little is low power with absolutely NO smoke... and just right is on the verge of no smoke, to “is it or isn’t it” smoke!

continued.......

Diesel Tuning


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There are a few more complex settings on the pump that are checked and adjusted but these are

the main ones.Now to add to all these, let us run through it quickly. Ok, there are 6 injectors supplying

fuel to the engine... imagining it being a 6- cyl-inder diesel. Looks like it has no problemsgetting fuel. What about the important part

that we forgot about--AIR? Well... It has todraw the air through a maze. Filter, pipes, inlet

manifold and a tiny valve. This has tohappen in a split second and the piston going down has to do all the sucking. That’s the

governing part of a diesel engine’s performance. Remember, more fuel for more power is just more smoke! So we have to do something about the air

to keep things clean.This is where a Turbo system comes into its

own with Diesel engines. With a hugeamount of air now available due to the turbo

supplying air right to the inlet valve, the pistononly has to suck air from there. Let’s not forget

that 1 cylinder has a suction stroke many times a second, so these fallacies of air being forced

into the engine and blowing heads off are only that! Now that we have more air, the fuel system can be set up accordingly for more power. This is where the whole equation can come adrift with overheating, etc. Things have to be set up by a

professional and a professional that knows his job.

The diesel system that is on all 4WD diesels was designed to run on a fuel with certain burn-ing characteristics. Often fuel quality can be a

problem, particularly in the bush. We have new vehicles smoking that obviously are not designed to smoke when running on real diesel. So when we are setting up a fuel injection system for tun-ing, we have to take the burning characteristics of this poor diesel into consideration. Try to get your fuel from a reputable and “known brand” garage and keep your receipts. If you have problems, you have as much “come-back” on the garage as you

have with a faulty product from a shop.** The modern diesel has come a long way from

its beginnings! Well... so we are all led to believe! That’s where it all stops. In

fact, about the only thing that could compare is reinventing the round wheel! That’s right.

Nothing has really changed. A dieselstill needs fuel and air. Even though we now

have trendy things like “Common-rail High Pressure Injection and Electronics”

controlling everything, it is still the same old principle. The only major change appears to be

the repair costs... as usual. Most

injector pumps are becoming “throw-away” at a cost of thousands of dollars. Where will it end?

Diesel Tuning

Words by Andrew Leimroth


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Multi award winning Eldee Station provides good old fashioned country hospitality, simple but good food, great refreshments and a wide range of accommodation choices to suit all budgets. This includes powered grassed caravan and campsites, ensuited standard rooms and suites for families and couples located on the stunning Mundi Mundi Plains and Barrier Ranges. There is lots to do and not do if you want just relax in our spas or the plunge pool with your kids or watch the bird feeding sessions or go for a walk or just relax and read that book you been meaning to get to all year.

If you want to be more active and use your 4WD you make your own fun includes 4WD tag along tours or self-guided 4WD tracks.

We also have the Eldee 4WD Easter and we are taking bookings for 2013 now.

Have you already planned you Christmas holidays yet? Well if you haven’t go and check out our website at www.eldeestation.com to make your planning very easy for your Christmas holiday.

PS: you love so much that you won’t want to leave!

Contact Details:

2886 Wilangee Road Silverton NSW 2880 Phone 0880912578 email: [email protected] website: www.eldeestation.com http://www.facebook.com/EldeeStation


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2012Mickey Thompson

RIVERLAND CHALLENGE

2012 Riverland Challenge

Toby Whateley gave up the desire for huge jumps after nearly wrecking his new Nissan V8 on the Saturday

to take out the Open Class finals on Sunday.

Andrew Nichols lived up to his sponsors name and wrecked his Landcriuser after a huge jump and nearly wrecked himself as well.

News is that Andrew is OK and busy planning to break the World Record for the longest semi jump at next years World Records Weekend at Loveday.


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eT Boys Wreck the Show

The boys from the ET 4x4 Club came to Loveday intending to “Go Hard or Go Home”.

As a matter of fact when the Toyota Surf started to sound like a VW with flatulence they decided it wasn’t going home and would be left in the Loveday junk pile.

After thrilling the crowd on Sunday the boys eventually rolled right in front of the Tavern, much to the pleasure of the crowd sheltering from the sun.


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Unsung Heros

These blokes never get huge air or do spec-tacular endos. They even take the corners safely after rolling it a couple of times last

year.They show up for just about every event at

Loveday and quietly go about their business.

Now some of you are not early risers, but I’m always up early in search of that spectaclar sun rise shot. I see a lot of things like everyone returning to their own swags or the odd bloke still crawling aroud looking for his.

Ever wonder when you stagger down in the morn-ing how the toilets have been cleaned and the Tavern cleaned,swept and ofter washed down.

Well, just after the sun rises Brad and Yo arrive at the Tavern for a good hours work cleaning up all kinds of mess left and deposited in the loos of both sexes.

Congratulations and a job well done to our great unsung heros.


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OOM Gallery #12012 Mickey Thompson

Riverland Challenge

Black Betty put on a great show all weekend and the crew worked frantically to fix Betty for the finals only to run out

of petrol.


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Riverland Challenge

The team from OffroadingSubarus.com returned to

Loveday after a long absence but have not lost their touch.


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Riverland Challenge

The team from Snuffy flew high all weekend. Another roll over still didn’t damage the Light Force Spotties.


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Riverland Challenge

Popular Loveday identity Dougy raced hard to make the semi finals only to go bush and stop on the track.

Probabely ran out of xxxx


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Riverland Challenge

They just keep going and going and going...........


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Riverland Challenge

Cloe flying high . The girls landed with a bang and

snapped the front tail shaft. Ah well Yoda, more work....


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Riverland Challenge

The mob from John Wark and Son getting air over the step

up and timing the jump perfectly.


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Riverland Challenge

Kermit always puts on a great show for the crowd and has become one of the great attractions at Loveday


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Riverland Challenge

Mustard Racing raced hard all weekend to make it into the Open Class Finals only to be beaten buy .04 of a second.


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Riverland Challenge

Winners are Grinners


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Available at



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FourPlay 4x4 Park Challenge

The team from FourPlay 4x4 managed to secure the use of a property nestled in the gullies of the Adelaide Hills for their latest event.

Always looking for ways to promote off-road rac-ing Tim Margitich and the crew put a lot of work into organising the event and facilities. “We practice what we sell” Tim said.

The camp was situated in a sheltered gully full of majestic gums and it was a pleasure to attend a 4WD event in South Australia that was covered in green grass.

Spectators were guided around the different stages and with the fantastic weather certainly enjoyed all the action from great vantage points.

Hill climbs, creek crossings and mud runs were the order of the day, testing the skills and endurance of competitors and vehicles.

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OOM Gallery #1FourPlay 4x4 Park Challenge


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Watch YouTube V

ideo

Contains Language



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FOR SALEClass 7 Production 4wd The Awesome Blue Baron is for sale!

98 MK Triton extra cabCurrent cams log book, ready to race.

Strong finisher, only 1 DNF from driver error….driver blames the nav though!Vehicle has done 7 events with 1st or 2nd in class in 5 events

Strong engine, 550 nM torque 175 hpFox shocks remote res and bump stops on all corners, 4 meetings old for fronts, 2 for rears. 2 spare

emulsion fox shocks with sale.FIA belts only 6 months old. Extinguishers only 4 months old.

6 rims with cooper tyres, between 75% and 90% tread left120 litre custom made fuel cell.

Custom Alloy radiator with 2 electric fans.Sparco seats, PMD intercom, Strengthened chassis, GME UHF, Alloy bash plate.

Comprehensive spares package and support go with sale.Car has a lot more pace to give with some development and experimenting.

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The inaugural TrophyKart Australia spectacular was a roaring success as 15 TrophyKarts took to the Loveday 4X4 Park track for their first competitive hit out.

“Spectators were totally blown away with the excitement, watch-ing eagerly from the sidelines at TrophyKart Australias’ first official race on Australian soil” exclaimed Rick Bramley, the Australian Representative of TrophyKart Australia.

No one could have predicted that the stadium event would impress so many spectators with how fast and high they could jump. The closeness of the racing was another key issue to why it is such a spectacle for the public to watch.

Trevor Scott , 5RM radio announcer and commentator is quoted as saying that TrophyKarts were as exciting to watch as the 360 and 410 sprint cars that he had com-mentated the night before.

One of the highlights for the week-end’s racing for drivers and spectators alike was the fifth heat, which had a reverse grid start.

South Australia’s well known off road racer Wally Francombe started rear of the field along-side another well-known off roader Wes Cowie to solidly work his way through the field to second place after five very fast short laps.

“The crowd applauded what was to be one of the most exciting races I have ever had the pleasure of being part of ” added Bramley. “There were wo roll over incidence during the weekend and both karts and drivers were checked for injury or damage and consequently were back racing in the very next heat; both bearing race tape battle scars but no major damage, a sign of the strength of these machines.”

TrophyKart Australia

Debuts in RiverlandDIRT WARS


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OOM Gallery #2Loveday Dirt Wars


la grandela grandeThe junior classes will no doubt demonstrate where the future off road champions will evolve from. Young guns Frank Gadaletta, son of Sam from Port Pirie in South Australia’s mid north who last year took possession of the ex Outerbounds Racing Jimco, Lachlan and Brodie Jones, sons of long time New South Wales off road campaigner Steve Jones, Jed Bramley, son of TrophyKarts Australia founder Rick and Toby Whaetley of South tAutralia are just a few names to keep an eye on. These juniors, who are fortunate to have fathers from off road racing backgrounds, will proudly fill the shoes their fathers have worn.

“There are several TrophyKart tracks in South Australia, the main one being the Loveday 4 x4 park at Barmera in the South Australian Riverland, with the soon to be transformed the Blue Dot Speedway at Griffith in New South Wales after local efforts from Steve Jones, and very promising discussions regarding a raceway in Geelong.”

The 2013 TrophyKart calendar is currently being decided, with the first race scheduled to kick off the season in April.

There is already another twelve TrophyKarts on the factory floor in California receiving the finish-ing touches before being bound for Australia with an approximate landing date in January. Anyone wishing to join in on the fastest growing motor sport in the United States, while the Australian dollar is so high, will only need to put down a $500 deposit to secure one of the cars in this ship-ment at a special introductory price while stocks last. Please contact Rick Bramley at TrophyKart Australia on 0457 852 787 or email [email protected] for further details.

“Also, a big thank you to all of the businesses that have had the foresight and confidence to support TrophyKart racing in Australia knowing that this is the beginning of something new and unique.”

Results for Round 1 - TrophyKart Stadium Race Loveday 4x4 Park 20-21 October 2012

450cc 1st Toby Francombe2nd Rick Bramley3rd Wes Cowie 200cc 1st Toby Whaetely2nd Jed Bramley3rd Lachlan and Brodie Jones Junior 1 1st Brodie and Lachlan Jones2nd Frank Gadaleta

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Four wheels of a different kind joined in Dirt Wars as a series of exhibition races at the Loveday 4x4 Adventure Park.

About twenty quads raced over the weekend in a number of modified classes as a trial for bigger things during 2013.

Not to be outdone by the TrophyKarts the quads quickly took up the Loveday tradition of “big air”.

Riders gradually familiarised themselves with the track and speed increased as they jumped higher and longer over the two huge jumps on the main straight.

Riders and spectators alike praised the idea of a rolling start and welcomed an additional track open to their sport. TrophyKarts and quads seemed to be compatible using the same race track. The karts didn’t rip up the track

and corners to an extent that it affected the quad racing.

The spectator area is based on a rise overlook-ing the track giving a great view of the entire track. Vehicles can park along the fence and setup their shades or marquees. As the track and racing develop Tony Whateley plans to grass the entire area overlooking the track making an

excellent area to set up and watch the week-end’s proceedings.

Discussions continue with a number of quad rider associations regarding a series of races at Loveday over 2013. Going by the reaction of the riders, their crews and spectators we can look forward to big things during 2013 and beyond as Loveday develops into a centre for a variety of motor sports.

QUADS JOIN DIRT WARS

MOTOCROSS rider Kristen Ellis has recovered from a serious crash earlier this year to win an Australian title.

Ellis, 14, of Dernancourt, won the under-16 200cc-300cc class at the Australian Quad Motocross Championships in Maffra, Victoria, last weekend.

She says the win was completely unexpected and the high-light of her four-year racing career.

"Honestly, I don't think it's sunk in yet," she says.

"It's weird, when I was a bit younger I never really placed in anything and now I've placed in a few things.

"Before I walked up on the stage (to get my trophy) I had the worst butterflies.

"I was so nervous to make a speech, but I was just so excited that I had got that far."

Ellis finished the championships 10 points clear of her nearest rival, but says the meeting was her hardest yet.

"I was freaking out when I was about to start racing," she says.

"I kept thinking (about) if the others were fast, and what condition the track was in and I just hoped my bike wouldn't stuff up."

The win was made all the more remarkable by the fact the Kildare College student had to overcome injuries in a crash in August, where she sustained soft tissue damage and bruising to her hip.

Ellis' parents Troy and Danelle, who also race quads, say they are extremely proud of their daughter.

"We were ecstatic, she rode really well," Mr Ellis says.

"She definitely deserved it."

Ellis says she wants to defend her title next year.

"It would be great if I could come first again," she says.

Thanks to Adelaide Now and Quad Rider SA for the above article.



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AORC Kapunda 2012

They came from all over Australia for the final

round of the Yamaha Australian Off Road

Championships. Australia’s best enduro riders

thrilled the big crowds that gathered on the

Saturday and Sunday......

Watch YouTube V

ideo


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Watch the KTM Video

It’s not often we get the chance to see Australia’s top

Enduro riders in action. This was the case when the

Australian Off Road Championships came to Kapunda

in South Australia. Hosted by the Gawler Motorcycle

Club the event has to be rated a fantastic success.

Heavy rain throughout the week leading up to the

event must have been a concern for organisers. Luckily

the rain held off until the last lap on Saturday and

cleared for Sundays racing.

The AORC is a ten round event that finished at

Kapunda with the last two rounds, consisting of a

Cross Country event on Saturday and a Sprint event

on Sunday.

Motorex KTM star #87N Toby Price blitzed the field

to take out the overall championship. Price didn’t have

it all his own way with #31V Daniel Milner taking

out the Saturday event and Price coming in second.

However the win on Sunday was enough for Price to

be crowned AORC winner for 2012.

AORC Overall Points1. Toby Price Motorex KTM Off-Road 2442. Daniel Milner Ballard’s Yamaha Off-Road 1913. Matt Phillips Ballard’s Yamaha Off-Road 1694. Stefan Merriman Ballard’s Yamaha Off-Road 1655. Josh Green Active8 Yamaha Yamalube 1546. Glenn Kearney Husqvarna Racing Team 1537. Chris Hollis Motorex KTM Off-Road 1338. Ben Burrell Motorex KTM Off-Road 1249. Mitcham Harper Yamaha 12110.Tom McCormack Yamaha 99

http://youtu.be/-ZyWAD5a7WI

http://youtu.be/-ZyWAD5a7WI


OOM Gallery #3AORC

Ivan Long riding in the SAORC Pro Class at Kapunda

Watch YouTube Video

The great thing about this event was it cost only $10.00 to get in and big and small kids alike could walk right around

the track and get up close to all the action.Young’uns with their mums and dads were all over the place

taking in the fresh air.Its too easy to sit home in front of the TV, and Nintendo

and say there’s nothing on or to do.

“What boy would not enjoy the open outdoors filled with the sight

and sounds of motorbikes”.

As I said for $10.00 you could have packed a sandwich or grabbed some of the excellent tucker on sale, packed the kids in and watched all the action close up. What boy would not enjoy the open outdoors filled with the sight and sounds of

motorbikes?


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The Pro riders excited the crowd at the big creek crossing when it was discovered you could take the vertical drop off into

the creek and pick up a few places.


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OOM Gallery #3AORC

Karl Algar shows a bit of style


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OOM Gallery #3AORCHole Shot


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OOM Gallery #3AORC


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In issue 8 of Offroading Online Magazine we had in introduction to The Great Australian Ride (TGAR), here is a summary of the ride as it was unfold….. I suppose looking back now, it was inevitable that The Great Australian Ride had no option but to grow and take a life of its own! It started as a chance dream, an adventure and a desire to see what was really out there. After returning from last year’s solo ride I was unsure how, I had to let the dust settle. Thankfully through the power of the Internet I connected with some local and national motorcyclists who were also passionate about raising funds for charities and interested in forming a group ride from east to west. And so Team GAR (Great Australian Ride) was born, From Brisbane, Mr Christian Loghem’s commitment and enthusiasm were true strengths and he directed them to the media and organizing of the event. TV, radio, and newspapers across the country were contacted to bring awareness to Sids and Kids and our coming ride. Then from Bendigo, Mr Mark Victor of Bikerbits brought the ride to another level with his fantastic digital artwork and web design skills. Drawing a large international audience and helping to showcase Australia as a premiere adventure riding destination. I was truly overwhelmed by the support and kind nature of all the team’s new members. We set about to form the networks, the website would handle donations and provide all necessary information to our riders and supporters. 100% of funds raised would go directly to Sids and Kids, who receive no government funding and rely on public donations. Sids and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and supporting bereaved families. With the power of duplication in mind I invited 12 riders to ride with me from Byron Bay (most eastern point) through The Simpson Desert to Alice Springs then 1200km across The Gibson Desert to Steep Point (most western point). Thinking that no one would be crazy enough to respond to such a grueling ride, I posted out the request. And they did! In no time at all we had our 12 riders (The Dirty Dozen) a medic and a well-equipped support vehicle that came all the way up from Melbourne. Then the donation started coming in and within 3 months up to the date we left Byron, Saturday 4th August, Team GAR had raised over $20,000 for Sids.

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la grandela grande Leaving Byron Bay was a fantastic occasion and shone the light that there is a great need for such events, promoting awareness and helping smaller non-profit charities to make a difference within our community. To encourage adventure riders from all walks of life, all corners of Australia to converge at one point and work together as a team to cross the Outback with one purpose in mind. Although some men are at times seemingly relentless, there were tears, laughter, despair and joy throughout the 7,000km journey. We endured a broken arm at Cameron’s Corner, a broken leg in The Simpson Desert, mechanical failure on Big Red at Birdsville and plenty of great camp fires dinners

watching the Milky Way and shooting stars. The Outback is an amazing place, although harsh it is a very beautiful with colours to die for. The Great Australian Ride has become more than just a ride, the interest that it has created both national and overseas has been inspiring. Not just for the ride but also for Sids and Kids, Australian tourism and to the wonderful people of the land. The Aussie spirit is well and truly alive! Through all the great help and support this ride has now become an annual charity event. This year we raised over $25,000. Huge thanks goes out to all those who donated, we are overwhelmed by your generosity. Big thanks to our major sponsor National Storage who provided us with a base in Perth to store and dispatch our bikes. Also Bikerbits, Teammoto and Barkbusters who all provided great support and advice. I am looking forward to the future of The Great Australian Ride, the people that we will meet and the friendships that will develop across Australia. A date for 2013 will be released very soon, so please check our website for upcoming information. It's sure to be an epic adventure! http://www.greataustralianride.com.au Or follow us on our Facebook page, 'The Great Australian Ride'. Special thanks to...... Derek and Bec from Sids and Kids Qld Cape Café, Byron Bay Eliza and Jarrod from National Storage Channel 10, Qld Jeff Barnes-Safety and Communication officer Cycle Torque John Carrigy of Foundation Dental SunCity Motorcycles, Geraldton KTM Australia Mad Accessories, Mooloolaba Brisbane KTM Mooloolaba Stickers and Signs Dave and John from Wheeliezone.com.au Teammoto Enoggera Race Motorcycles, Alice Springs Offroading Online 96.5FM Maxxis Tyres Advocate Newpaper, NT Doyles Hardware Quest Newspapers Darren Skewes from DARE Australia Glen Villa Cabins, Byron Bay Bob Sanders, 4x4 support and medic Camp owners and Roadhouses on The Great Australian Ride route And of course all Family and friends who have supported me in turning this dream into reality, thank you. Happy Travels Founder - Stuart Ball 0414 623 180

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Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) staff in the Baw Baw fire district are appalled at the amount of damage caused by recent hoon behaviour on local forest roads and tracks.

District Manager, Peter McEwan said strate-gic fire access tracks are being severely damaged by weekend 4X4 traffic in Baw Baw District and across Gippsland.

“Ruts caused by highly modified 4X4 vehicles are making tracks that are vital for fire suppression and planned burning impassable to traffic,” he said.

“Our ability to protect townships near for-est boundaries is now at risk due to this damage delaying access by fire fighting personnel and equipment.”

Mr McEwan said preparation for spring burning could be affected while track repairs are undertaken.

“This could impact on the achievement of our overall burning program,” he said.People have also been breaking into or around gates on

seasonally closed roads within water supply catchments, lit-tering and destroying revegetation areas.

“There are serious environmental effects through run-off of turbid water in creeks and streams which will affect water quality and aquatic flora and fauna.”

“In some locations the damage is so severe the permanent closure of existing tracks will need to be considered,” Mr

McEwan said.Creation of new tracks through bush is illegal and severe penalties apply.DSE urges anyone with any information about this sort of destructive behaviour to report it

to the nearest DSE or Parks Victoria office or to the police. Or you can call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Kelly tree site damaged by vandalsVandals have caused thousands of dollars damage to the recently redeveloped Stringybark Creek

Reserve, the site of the 1878 shoot-out between the Ned Kelly gang and Mansfield police troopers.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) forest officers discovered the damage to the

camping and picnic areas while undertaking a routine patrol last week.

“The significant damage caused to the camping reserve and picnic areas is consistent with

vehicles doing ‘circle work’ which has resulted in the reserve now being closed to the public,” DSE

Mansfield Forest and Fire Officer, Rachael Nolan, said.

“The damage caused by this act of stupidity will take months to rehabilitate.”

Ms Nolan said in addition to the damage caused by vehicles several trees planted to provide shade

for campers have been destroyed and a large peppermint gum tree has been felled illegally.

“Aside from the dangers of felling a tree of this size, those responsible have also clearly broken the

law and destroyed one of the more mature trees on the site.”

Significant work has been undertaken within the Stringybark Creek Reserve in recent years to

improve road access and facilities at the day visitor area and camping reserves.

New picnic tables, barbecues, walking tracks and footbridges, and toilet facilities were also

constructed.

“The timing of the damage is not ideal especially with school holidays approaching,” she said.

“Vandalism of recreational assets within areas of state forest is a major concern for DSE. While we

do undertake regular patrols, it is impossible to keep an eye on everything.

“What the people who caused this damage fail to understand is that each time facilities are

damaged or rubbish dumped, a considerable amount of money is required to undertake repairs.

“This money is often redirected from improving other visitor facilities.”

Stringybark Creek Reserve is located on the Tatong-Tolmie Road, between Mansfield and Benalla.

The reserve provides access to the site of the Kelly Tree, which marks the area where the shootout

occurred.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact DSE Mansfield on (03) 5733

1200.


la grandela grandeDear Mum,

Our Camp Master told us to write to our parents in case you saw the flood on TV and got worried. We are okay. Only one of

our tents and 2 sleeping bags got washed away. Luckily, none of us got drowned because we were all up on the mountain looking

for Adam when it happened.

Oh yes, please call Adam's mother and tell her he is okay. He can't write because of the cast. I got to ride in one of the search

and rescue Jeeps. It was great. We never would have found Adam in the dark if it hadn't been for the lightning.

Camp Master Ted got mad at Adam for going on a hike alone without telling anyone. Adam said he did tell him, but it was

during the fire so he probably didn't hear him. Did you know that if you put petrol on a fire, it will blow up?

The wet wood didn't burn, but one of the tents did and also some of our clothes. Matthew is going to look weird until his

hair grows back.

We will be home on Saturday if Camp Master Ted gets the bus fixed. It wasn't his fault about the crash. The brakes worked

okay when we left. Camp Master Ted said that with a bus that old, you have to expect something to break down; that's probably

why he can't get insurance.

We think it's a super bus. He doesn't care if we get it dirty, and if it's hot, sometimes he lets us ride on the bumpers. It gets pretty

hot with 45 people in a bus made for 24. He let us take turns riding in the trailer until the policeman stopped and talked to us.

Camp Master Ted is a neat guy. Don't worry, he is a good driver. In fact, he is teaching Horace how to drive on the mountain

roads where there aren't any cops. All we ever see up there are huge logging trucks.

This morning all of the guys were diving off the rocks and swimming out to the rapids. Camp Master Ted wouldn't let me

because I can't swim, and Adam was afraid he would sink because of his cast (it's concrete because we didn't have any plaster), so

he let us take the canoe out. It was great. You can still see some of the trees under the water from the flood.

Camp Master Ted isn't crabby like some camp masters. He didn't even get mad about the life jackets. He has to spend a lot

of time working on the bus so we are trying not to cause him any trouble.

Guess what? We have all passed our first aid merit badges. When Andrew dived into the lake and cut his arm, we all got to

see how a tourniquet works.

Steve and I threw up, but Camp Master Ted said it was probably just food poisoning from the left-over chicken. He said they

got sick that way with food they ate in prison. I'm so glad he got out and became our camp master. He said he sure figured out

how to get things done better while he was doing his time. By the way, what is a pedal-file?

I have to go now. We are going to town to post our letters and buy some more beer and ammo. Don't worry about anything.

We are fine and tonight it's my turn to sleep in the Camp Master's tent.

Love,

Tommy

Sarah from XR Industries sent in a range of MUC-OFF products with the promise I’d be surprised just how good they were.

Tested here is the spray on WHEEL WASH. The wheels of the Disco had not been cleaned for about two years. I usually take to them with steelo soap pads but forever seem to be out bush and

it hasn’t been worth giving them a clean.

The idea is to rinse the wheels, spray on the WHEEL WASH, wait five minutes and use the wheel and spoke brush to clean them.

I fully expected to scub them for awhile but the two years of grime and dirt came off with ease and after just under ten minutes I had all four rims and tires looking like new. A quick rinse with

the hose and it was all done.

Check out the full range of products for 4WDs and bikes at http://www.xri.com.au/


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Whether you’re cruising over sand dunes, through rugged bush land or across the outback, four-wheel driv-ing (4WD) is great way to explore the best of Australia.

However, while enjoying the great outdoors, off-road drivers of all skill levels require the right equipment to

deal with hazards.

Recently launched in Australia, TRED, the Total Recovery Extraction Device, is an essential product for any vehicle that operates off-road. Designed and manu-factured in Australia for 4WD and All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), TREDs allow drivers to simply overcome bog-

ging hazards and return on their journey in minimal time, with little effort.

Angus Wood, spokesperson from TRED, said “Australia has many exciting, but challenging landscapes to navigate while driving off-road and 4WD drivers are

often at risk of getting bogged in unstable grounds such as sand, mud or snow.

“TREDs are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles and can be used easily by anyone. From recreational

four-wheel drivers, to professionals who use the vehicles for their job and families travelling for a holiday, TREDs

are a simple, effective solution to get your car out of potentially dangerous situations and on the road again

swiftly,” added Angus.

Individuals can drive off-road with confidence using TREDs knowing if they lose traction they can easily get their car back on track without the use of a second vehi-cle. The driver simply puts TREDs under the car wheels and they provide a path for the car to move back onto

stable ground.

TREDs eliminate hazardous vehicle recovery prac-tices like winching and snatching, which can involve

highly stressed components such as steel cables, shackles, snatch straps and winches. TREDs are a safer alternative, yet can still handle intense levels of torque, flex, weight and impact because they are engineered with polyolefin

materials specifically engineered for TRED.

While the primary use for TREDs is recovery, they can also be used as a preventative measure. If drivers see unstable ground ahead, they can link TREDs together to

form a safe path for the car to cross.

With a designated shovel feature, extreme hex grip nodules, aggressive ramp entry teeth and ultimate wear

resistant properties, TRED is available in two sizes: TRED 800: Designed for smaller vehicles such as

RAV4, Suzuki, and ‘jeep type’ four-wheel drives where storage of larger recovery products is limited.

TRED 1100: Designed with extra width and length to launch vehicles out of more difficult situations. They are

a great tool for an off-road enthusiast as well as commer-cial fleet drivers.

TREDs are available from leading automotive retail-

ers and off-road equipment suppliers across the country. The recommended retail price for a pair is $199 for the

TRED 800 and $229 for the TRED 110.

Watch the following clip to see TREDs in action! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRSK7NEpdX8


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Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Cairns to join around 300 other delegates, and half of the Qld Cabinet, at the Destination Q forum. Destination Q was all about developing an action plan to see Queensland Tourism get pumping again. Tourism is identified as one of the four pillars of the Queensland Economy, and is in need of a bit of a shot in the arm.

The theme common to all parts of the forum was the need to have improved access to our States great-est, sustainable resource – its land. Every speaker called for better, simplified, and more access to the State Estate including National Parks and State Forests for recreation and tourism.

I joined the Eco Tourism sub group, and was impressed by the breadth of interests represented, horse riders, reef dive companies, mountain biker tours, guest houses and many other facets of tour-ism. It would be hard to argue that there was not a significant representation from the ‘recognised’ tour-ism industry.

A couple of things did concern me though… Free and Independent Travellers, you know, those people who plan and do it themselves, did not have anyone speaking for them – but how could they?? There is no ‘Peak Body’ specificly for people who want to do their own thing, by their own definition they are not affiliated with anyone, yet make up a significant com-ponent of our local tourism dollar.

At some point during the forum I decided that I was being perhaps a little arrogant in my belief that all these commercial operators (let’s not forget that I am a commercial operator too) do not represent my interests… slowly it occurred to me that despite the Engel fridge, stove and rooftop tent, and regardless of the fact that I pretty much do all my own planning (I even plan trips for others, for a fee…) that I am a “tourist” too.

If I want to go haorse riding – I need that horse riding tour company to have a secure business model with guaranteed access to appropriate land. If I want to snorkel on the reef, I need that Reef Diving charter to have secure access to the reef.

Did you know that there is a great little cake shop in Howard?? Did you know that there is a town called Howard just a minute off the highway between Maryborough and Childers??

I like to stop there when heading north from Hervey Bay, sometimes when just heading out for a play in the State Forests, or sometimes when hitting the road at the beginning of a long day’s drive. When I pull in there for a pie and Iced Coffee, I’m a tourist

– mostly, and the few dollars that changes hands is the product of tourism.

Some of us Outdoor Recreators need to take stock, I believe. Sometimes we cry foul when some specific company or group is allowed access, or granted special permissions, when perhaps we need to acknowledge that need for some level of ‘stewardship’ of some of our natural areas.

What we need to see is an open and accountable process for gaining this access which should be avail-able to any individual or group who can meet the agreed criteria.

I enjoyed my time in Cairns, and came away empowered to act in securing our access to our best natural resources for generations to come.

Dave

Dave is the Director and Chief Instructor at P7Offroad, Accredited Offroad Driver Training based on the Fraser Coast but delivering training all over QLD. Dave is a registered Teacher with a specialist area of Outdoor and Environmental Education.

For more information, or to get in touch, please visit.

www.facebook.com/[email protected]

Destination Q Conference Cairns 2012


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Multi award winning Eldee Station provides good old fashioned country hospitality, simple but good food, great refreshments and a wide range of accommodation choices to suit all budgets. This includes powered grassed caravan and campsites, ensuited standard rooms and suites for families and couples located on the stunning Mundi Mundi Plains and Barrier Ranges. There is lots to do and not do if you want just relax in our spas or the plunge pool with your kids or watch the bird feeding sessions or go for a walk or just relax and read that book you been meaning to get to all year.

If you want to be more active and use your 4WD you make your own fun includes 4WD tag along tours or self-guided 4WD tracks.

We also have the Eldee 4WD Easter and we are taking bookings for 2013 now.

Have you already planned you Christmas holidays yet? Well if you haven’t go and check out our website at www.eldeestation.com to make your planning very easy for your Christmas holiday.

PS: you love so much that you won’t want to leave!

Contact Details:

2886 Wilangee Road Silverton NSW 2880 Phone 0880912578 email: [email protected] website: www.eldeestation.com http://www.facebook.com/EldeeStation


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Next Issue

Due out in late December 2012

offroading online magazine issue 9

Documents

editor page

aorc kapunda page

great australian ride

berrima diesel page

loveday dirt wars page

great way

tuvie design

great products